Port of Egypt owner Bill Lieblein, who has rented the space to Mr. Ehrlich since 1994, elected not to extend the lease. The rental agreement expired in April, but the Lieblein family agreed to allow Mr. Ehrlich to get through the summer season before pulling the plug at the end of November.
The Liebleins have remained relatively mum about their plans to develop a new restaurant at the site. Daughter Amie Sponza said only that it won't be operated by the family and will serve a menu different from The Seafood Barge's.
"The property will be refreshed with an exciting new look that will complement the beautiful bayside location," she said in a brief written statement. It will be "a fun new restaurant that can be enjoyed by everyone on a year-round basis."
The new eatery is expected to open next spring, sometime around Mother's Day, Ms. Sponza said.
As for Mr. Ehrlich, he will continue to operate the Clam Bar at Napeague on Montauk Highway in Amagansett while he explores other opportunities to open another restaurant on the North Fork, he said. Mr. Ehrlich, who is entering his 30th year at the clam bar, promised to post his plans on his Web site at www.seafoodbarge.com.
jlane@timesreview.com